Archive for the ‘Laws’ Category
Child protection Laws in Germany
While you may not live off base, your child may end up in contact with local kids. Especially when it comes to the teen years it’s a good idea to know what is allowed for kids here in Germany and when will the police be dropping your youngster off at your doorstep.
So let’s start with the teenies:
When it comes to going out clubbing, drinking or hanging out at the pub, here are the rules (they are actually Laws to protect minors in Germany)
No Child under 14 is allowed in a Discotheque, unless the club is used for a closed event ran by a known club or family and even then kids are to be home by 10pm unless accompanied by the parent
Starting at 16 children are allowed in the Discotheque even without parents until 12am (midnight) Police is known to do checks in clubs after midnight to make sure all under aged kids are out and are happy to provide embarrassing rides home.
Drinking … and boy do we love our beer here:
Starting at 14 kids are allowed to consume small amounts of wine and beer with a parent present.
Starting at 16 you are allowed to buy and consume alcoholic drinks like wine and beer. Hard liquor, cocktails, whisky, brandy and alike are not allowed to be served, sold or be consumed by kids under 18.
Working from home
A lot of stay home moms like to do little art projects to sell or offer nail and hair services or even do photos. All of them are great ideas to make some money on the side. But if you plan to start a little home ran shop there are several things you need to know. I will not go into every detail, because depending on what you do, you need different permits, but if you want to do any kind of selling or alike for a steady income, you need a business license. (this does not apply to fleamarket sales that you have once a while)
Without that you could be charged for tax fraud and or worse!
So , best thing to do is contact the local Ordnungsamt (the city you live in). Most of the time they are located in your cities courthouse and explain to them what you plan on doing. They will be able to guide you to the right place if anything else is needed. If nothing else is needed you show up, with your passport and ID card, fill out a form and pay a small fee (about 15 euro) and after that your official. That form in turn sets the German tax machinery in gear and the Tax office will send you a package to fill out to do your taxes. They can also assist with any questions you have.
Tidbits Only the Locals Know
Life in Germany, or Europe, for that matter, can be adventurous. Unchartered territories and surprises will come into your life. It’s important to know the differences between a native and a foreigner. Regional culture or customs are an unspoken way of life, and can be surprising to someone just moving to Europe. We’ve come up with several unknown tidbits about German culture.
Parking Tickets
Ever sat in front of the perfect parking spot, but were unsure if you are allowed to park there?
Well you’re not the only one.
In Germany parking can be a pain, so there are some hints and tricks. If you want to sightsee in one of the many cities in Germany try looking for a parking garage, if you see parking along the streets make sure it is not for “Anlieger frei” or people with a parking permit only, that usually means that it is only for residents.
Aalia Winter